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For more storage space in and on the commercial vehicle – TopSystem ProSafe
Sometimes there is not enough space in the vehicle, especially when you need to transport long objects such as pipes, beams or ladders. In this article you can read why metalworker Andreas Schwabauer swears by Sortimo’s TopSystem ProSafe roof rack.
Andreas Schwabauer from Bubesheim in Germany couldn’t imagine life without it anymore: the roof rack on his Ford Transit.
It is particularly practical when it’s necessary to transport long and heavy items such as awnings of up to six meters in length and beams weighing up to 110 kg, used to build stylish patio canopies that exceed the capacity of the cargo space. Up to now, Andreas always had to use a large tandem trailer, which caused difficulties when it came to parking and manoeuvring. Since June 2020 he has been using the TopSystem ProSafe from Sortimo.
The robust roof rack not only offers him additional storage space on his vehicle’s roof, the TopSystem also ensures his cargo is absolutely secure during transport. He is more flexible and quicker on the road, leaving the trailer at home. Now he only uses the trailer when he has to bring complete roofing parts to his customers. One trailer is now enough for the small fleet. Instead, the TopSystem is used to transport awnings, repairs or even to return individual damaged parts to the workshop.
Fast and reliable load securing is a top priority for the metalworker. This was also the main reason Andreas Schwabauer opted for a TopSystem roof rack. The ProSafe load securing system is already integrated as standard. “I didn’t find this with any other roof rack system on the market. Also, coated sections that must not be scratched are well protected thanks to the built-in protective rubber strips.“
ProSafe is incorporated throughout the entire length of the cross profile, so that the lashing straps can be hooked in quickly and easily with just one movement, and the long sections are fixed to the vehicle roof in the best possible way.
The ProSafe system can not only be used on the roof, it can also be used in the van’s entire cargo area as it is compatible with the vehicle manufacturers’ original lashing points and of course with Sortimo’s van racking systems.
This means Andreas benefits from an integrated load securing system for the entire vehicle.
“With ProSafe I now have a lashing system that fits everywhere. I had a few other lashing straps, but I’ve replaced them now.”
The modular design of the TopSystem offers the right variant for every type of van. Whether large or small van, high or normal roof, two, three or four cross members – the TopSystem adapts flexibly to the tradesman’s load requirements.
Schwabauer decided on a configuration with a total of six cross members due to the increased stability and the extended load area.
In addition to the ProSafe lashing straps, Andreas also chose a loading roller as one of the accessories. This is bolted to the side panels and thus behind the rear of the vehicle, leaving space for the attached rear view camera. The loading roller allows easy loading and unloading of the roof rack while at the same time preventing damage to the bodywork as the materials do not touch the edge of the vehicle.
Andreas Schwabauer doesn’t need any of the other accessories such as load stoppers or warning lights for the time being. “If I do need something here, I can always retrofit it.”
To ensure the durability of the roof rack, the components of the Sortimo TopSystem are all made of stainless steel and aluminium and are therefore resistant to weathering and corrosion. Rust is no longer an issue either, which gives the roof rack lasting value. This means that it can easily be converted to a new vehicle and reused when the vehicle is replaced (provided it is the same vehicle model).
When asked if there are any disturbing wind noises while driving, Andreas is very clear: “Of course you can hear while driving that there’s a roof rack fitted. But it isn’t really any louder than normal driving noises.”
All in all he is very satisfied with the vehicle and the roof rack, in future he’d only choose a more powerful vehicle: “Especially with a full load, 170 hp instead of 130 hp would be better.”
My conclusion:
My conclusion of the TopSystem is really very good. I am very satisfied with the roof rack because I can count on the fact my materials are properly secured on the roof. The fact that load securing is already directly built-in is also very practical and I can use ProSafe both on and in my vehicle. My new van will also be equipped with the TopSystem.
The road to the Sortimo TopSystem
Andreas Schwabauer purchased his TopSystem in the traditional way through his sales consultant at the Sortimo branch in Zusmarshausen. Of course, it is also possible to order the roof rack online. Prospective customers can find ready-configured sets in different variants for all van types on mySortimo.co.uk.
Individualists can also configure the roof rack themselves online. Using the SR5 van racking configurator, you can customise the TopSystem without van racking and add appropriate accessories. The price for the installation service is already included in the total.
The created configuration is also permanently stored in your mySortimo account so that it can be accessed again and again for new vehicles.
Update November 2021:
New accessories for the TopSystem:
Aluminium transport tube
With the aluminium loading tube, even long loads can be stowed dry and safely: The city crash test with a maximum load of 50 kg was passed!
Thanks to the return baffle device, the load can be conveniently removed from the loading tube if it has moved forwards during the journey. The aluminium loading tube with lockable cover is available in the useful lengths 3 m, 4 m, 5 m and 6 m.
Rear ladder
The rear ladder enables comfortable, safe access to the roof area and the load stowed on it. Despite its low weight, it is made of high-quality materials, which ensures high stability with a load capacity of up to 120 kg. It is easy to mount without drilling holes in the vehicle body, so there are no permanent residues.
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